4 Great getaways perfect for New Yorkers

The Jersey Shore Let’s try not to think about MTV’s hit television show when we hear ‘the Jersey Shore’ because that’s not what it’s totally about. There are a ton of different beach towns throughout that each have their own character. Most north, super funky Asbury Park is home to the Stone Pony, a legendary Jersey music venue. Perfect for a summer concert with a crew. Belmar/Sea Girt/Manasquan: never a dull moment in this area – full of college kids, post-grads, Jersey people that will never leave the scene. Check out Parker House for dollar beers & live music on Friday & D’Jais happy hour on Saturday if you’re looking to actually see the fist pumping & turn all the way up. Down the coast you’ll run into Long Beach Island, a beautiful and relaxing getaway; ideal for a long weekend with great restaurants & lots to explore.

NJTransit offers direct trains from NYC to some of these beach towns. No reason not to try it out! Distance: About 2-3 hours.

Lake Placid, NY Lake towns during the summer don’t get enough attention! So many cute locally owned shops and perfect for those who love the outdoorsy lifestyle. Hiking trails for days, camping, fishing, scenic drives. Adirondack State Park is beautiful and the ideal place to relax. There are also a ton of restaurants and some bars to check out. Lake Placid is actually one of the oldest vacation destinations in the U.S., so if you’re a history junkie, you’d appreciate its story.

Amtrak trains available from the city. Distance: About 4.5 hours.

Portland, Maine Pretty lighthouses and stunning Victorian Era homes. Portland is hip, eccentric, and full of history. There are gorgeous museums and art galleries for the daytime, lively nightlife, plus an endless amount of delicious seafood for the evening. Check out Street and Co. for a cozy environment and excellent dining. It was known to be New England’s largest port with ship building and fishing heritage, which is now offered as a tour to the public. This is the ideal destination to learn something new AND spend the weekend relaxing.

Greyhound/Amtrak offer transportation. Distance: About 5 hours.

North Fork, Long Island Wine, wine and more wine. Sprawling vineyards and a ton of picturesque scenery. If you and your girlfriends want to escape for the weekend, this is the perfect quaint little getaway for you. Let’s not limit this to strictly wineries; North Fork also has parks, hiking trails, and some very nice beaches too!